Why: The workshop is being held to discuss the project's preliminary staff assessment. The workshop will focus on a proposed condition of certification related to a proposed water conservation plan. Various agencies, the public, and other interested parties also can ask questions and comment on the project.

What: Pio Pico Energy Center, LLC, is the applicant for the proposed 300-megawatt peaker power plant. The plant would be a natural gas-fired, simple-cycle electrical generating facility. The proposed project site is located at the intersection of Alta Road and Calzada de la Fuente in an unincorporated area of southwestern San Diego County. The 10-acre site is next to the Otay Mesa Generating Project.

The estimated capital cost for the Pio Pico Energy Center project would be $300 million. If the project is approved, construction would last 16 months with the work starting February 2013 and commercial operation by May 2014. The project would require an average of 148 workers during construction, with a peak of 284 needed during the eighth month. Twelve employees would be needed when the project is operating, according to the applicant.